A written reprimand is a formal disciplinary action taken by a business to warn an employee of misconduct. It serves as a tool to document potential violations of workplace policies and standards, as well as address negative performance or behaviors that do not meet expectations. Written reprimands should be objective but also engaging; they should outline the issue at hand, clarify any expectations going forward, and remind the individual of their commitment to the company. They are not meant to be punitive but rather to communicate clearly and constructively to encourage growth and development.